Shell today reported a 3% rise in first quarter chemical volume sales, to 4.29 million m.t., compared with the year-earlier period. Sales volumes declined 3% compared with the fourth quarter of 2013, however. Shell attributes the increase in first quarter compared with the year-earlier period to improved operational performance, which was partly offset by poorer intermediates market conditions in most regions. Chemicals manufacturing plant availability increased to 95% from 92% for the first quarter 2013 as a result of decreased planned maintenance. ...